JANUARY 2026 NEWSLETTER

New Radio & Frequency

• Officers are reminded to properly use Channel Groups on Teamspeak3 when in the RTO frequencies. There are channel groups set up for each agency, and officers are required to assign themselves to the proper channel group that corresponds to their assigned patrol area.

• Officers are reminded that we operate on a mostly plain English-based radio channel. There are minimal amounts of 10 codes that are authorized to be utilized within the RTO channels, if at all. Officers should remain aware of this and ensure they are talking in plain English.

• Officers must ensure that they identify themselves when speaking over the radio, including when responding to calls for service. Officers must be calling themselves en route to such a call, except for priority calls where the radio is held.

Municipality Coverage

• Officers are reminded about Chapter 4 in our Regulations Manual, which states that Police Officers have the discretion to choose any municipality when starting their patrol. However, Police Officers must prioritize servicing municipalities with fewer units. 

• Patrol Supervisors have the right to request officers to change their municipality at any time. 

Uniform Structure Reminders

• All officers are required to abide by our Uniform Structure.

  • A reminder that our Winter Uniform Restrictions are still in effect.

  • Officers are specifically reminded about our Vest & Vest Attachment Policies, in addition to the proper duty belt attachments.

  • Officers are prohibited from wearing full face masks or full head wraps during the wintertime, and can only utilize the one outlined in structure.

Scene Approach

• Officers are reminded to be aware of their approach based on the type of call — burglaries, disturbances, and high-risk incidents each require different tactics. 

Emergency Responses & Driving

• Officers must reserve emergency responses for situations that truly require them. When possible, officers should be responding under normal driving conditions for safety and realism - not every call response is an emergent response.

Pursuit Policy

• Officers are reminded that even in the event that there is no supervisor available, officers are still responsible for ensuring to pursue for proper reasons and following the pursuit policy.

• Pursuits for misdemeanor offenses shall not continue into another jurisdiction unless the offense involved a direct and immediate threat to public safety.

Department Feedback

• All community members and department members are reminded that we value constructive feedback, and it is highly encouraged. We look forward to hearing and reading your feedback on us so we can make appropriate changes.

  • Department Feedback Form

Bureau of Professional Development:

• • We have officially completed the transition of taking over the Basic Law Enforcement Training Operations within the community. The Bureau of Professional Development is responsible for hosting the Law Enforcement Aptitude Battery Examinations and the Basic Training Course & Examinations.

  • Any R&T Certified LEO Training Specialist who is interested in continuing to host these operations can reach out to our FTO Coordinator, JJ L. 22.

  • We are always looking for new Field Training Officers! Do YOU want to make a difference in our department? Are you interested in teaching and assisting other officers? This is a great opportunity to show initiative and dedication to the department by becoming a Field Training Officer!

    • Get started on the short application here!

  • We are proud of the work that our Field Training Officers put in each month, which is why we offer special perks and reward opportunities for completing FTO work!

    • All of the available perks and rewards can be found in this infographic!

• Sergeant Entrance Program:

  • Applications for the Sergeant Entrance Program are once again open for qualified Patrol Officer III’s and Senior Patrol Officers. SEP is the ideal pathway for officers looking to step into a leadership role within the Chain of Command. 

  • Individuals receive focused leadership training, mentorship opportunities, and practical resources to excel as a Sergeant. This program features a streamlined enrollment process, leadership-focused OSPs, and access to experienced CoC mentors for guidance through ride-alongs and training.

  • If you are interested, this is your chance to enhance your skills, take on greater responsibility, and make a meaningful impact in the department. Interested officers should review the enrollment requirements and submit their applications promptly, and are encouraged to reach out with any questions about the program or expectations. Apply today!

Bureau of Investigative Services:

• Criminal Investigations Division:

  • Throughout 2025, the Criminal Investigations Division opened 139 cases.

    • 129 cases were successfully closed.

      • 55; were cleared with an arrest, including the first case logged by Detective Mike G. 20.

      • 18; were closed with an arrest warrant issued, pending apprehension.

      • 12; 12 cases were closed exceptionally, due to circumstances such as a suspect being deceased prior to arrest or other qualifying special situations.

    • 54 cases were closed after all viable leads were exhausted or were formally transitioned into the cold case pool for future consideration.

• Youth Violence Strike Force:

  • Our applications for YVSF continue to remain open. There has been an uptick in gang activity, along with narcotic and weapons trafficking reports.

  • If you are interested in joining the Youth Violence Strike Force (YVSF), individuals must first apply for the Criminal Investigations Division and then meet the entry-level requirements for YVSF.

    • Entry Requirements:

      • Must be a fully trained and active Criminal Investigations Division Detective.

        • Must maintain an "active" status for a minimum of one (1) cycle.

          • Detectives looking to advance into the YVSF will need to do more than meet the bare minimum activity in CID.

Bureau of Field Services:

• Drone Unit:

  • We're looking forward to applications from committed officers who are interested in joining our specialized unit responsible for operating our drones, keeping our skies safe!

    • Drone Unit Application

      • Must be a full-time Patrol Officer II or higher.

      • Must have all Officer Success Programs completed.

      • Must not have any disciplinary actions within the last thirty (30) days.

• Environmental Police:

  • We have recently released updated policies and examinations throughout the month of December.

  • We're always looking for active and passionate individuals who are interested in enforcing fish & wildlife laws and who love the wilderness! Apply today!

Bureau of Transportation:

• San Andreas Bay Transportation Authority:

  • Applications for the Transit Police are open! Apply today.

• Traffic Enforcement Division:

  • Applications are currently closed.